And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

ACTS 22:8KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 22:8 (KJV)

What does Acts 22:8 mean?

Acts 22:8 records Paul’s response when a voice from heaven confronts him on the road to Damascus; Paul asks who is speaking, and the voice identifies itself as Jesus of Nazareth, the one Paul has been persecuting. This verse shows the moment Paul realizes that the risen Jesus is directly addressing him and connecting himself with the Christians Paul has been targeting.

Paul is recounting his conversion story to a crowd in Jerusalem, explaining how he once persecuted followers of Jesus but was stopped by a dramatic encounter. The question “Who art thou, Lord?” shows Paul’s confusion and awe, while the answer reveals that Jesus himself claims responsibility for the movement Paul opposed. This moment is key to understanding Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle.

The Greek behind Acts 22:8

  • κύριος (kurios): Translated “Lord,” this Greek word can mean “master” or “sir,” but in this context, it shows Paul’s recognition of a divine or authoritative presence, even before he knows it is Jesus.
  • Ἰησοῦς ὁ Ναζωραῖος (Iēsous ho Nazōraios): “Jesus of Nazareth” is a specific identification, making clear that the speaker is the same Jesus known from Galilee, not a different figure.
  • διώκεις (diōkeis): Translated “persecutest,” this verb means to pursue or harass. Jesus’s use of this word shows that harming his followers is seen as harming him personally.

Why Acts 22:8 matters

  • Acts 22:8 clarifies that Jesus identifies himself directly with his followers, so that persecuting Christians is seen as persecuting Jesus himself.
  • The verse highlights the dramatic turning point in Paul’s life, which is central to his authority and message as an apostle.
  • This moment connects Paul’s story to the larger narrative of Acts, showing how encounters with the risen Jesus continue to shape the early Christian movement.

Where else these words appear

“Nazareth” Greek G3480 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
  • Luke 24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
  • Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

“persecutest” Greek G1377 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Acts 22:7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
  • Galatians 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

“thou” Greek G1488 · used in 89 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
  • John 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

“am” Greek G1510 · used in 137 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • John 7:29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
  • Acts 13:25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.